Last Updated on January 25, 2024
The Salton Sea is a unique and fascinating destination in California, located about 150 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 100 miles northeast of San Diego.
It is the largest lake in the state, covering an area of about 350 square miles, but it is also one of the most saline and polluted bodies of water in the world.
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The Salton Sea was created by accident in 1905, when the Colorado River flooded and filled a dry basin that was once part of an ancient sea.
Since then, the lake has gone through many changes, from a booming tourist resort in the 1950s and 1960s, to an environmental disaster and a ghost town in the 1980s and 1990s, to a place of artistic expression and cultural revival in the 2000s and 2010s.
Visiting the Salton Sea is a surreal and memorable experience, as you can witness the beauty and the tragedy of this place, as well as the wildlife, the geology, and the history that make it so special.
What to Do
There are many things to do and see at the Salton Sea, depending on your interests and preferences. Some of the main attractions are:
Birdwatching
The Salton Sea is a haven for hundreds of species of birds, especially during the winter months, when millions of migratory birds stop by the lake.
You can see pelicans, egrets, herons, gulls, terns, ducks, geese, and more.
Some of the best places to observe the birds are the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, which has trails, boardwalks, and observation towers, and the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, which has beaches, marinas, and picnic areas.
Geology
The Salton Sea is located in a geologically active area, where you can see the effects of volcanism, tectonics, and erosion.
You can see mud pots, mud volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs, which are caused by the underground magma chamber that heats the water and the soil.
Some of the best places to explore the geology are the Salton Sea Mud Volcanoes, which are located near Niland, and the Dos Palmas Preserve, which has palm oases and hot springs.
History
The Salton Sea has a rich and tragic history, from its accidental creation, to its rise and fall as a tourist destination, to its current state as an environmental issue.
You can learn more about the history of the lake at the Salton Sea History Museum, which has exhibits, photos, and memorabilia from the lake’s past.
You can also visit some of the abandoned towns and resorts around the lake, such as Bombay Beach, Desert Shores, and North Shore, where you can see the ruins of buildings, piers, and signs.
Art
The Salton Sea is also a place of artistic expression and cultural revival, as some people have created art installations, festivals, and documentaries to raise awareness and appreciation for the lake.
You can visit some of the art projects around the lake, such as the Salvation Mountain, a colorful hill made of adobe, straw, and paint, the East Jesus, a collection of sculptures made of recycled materials, and the International Banana Museum, a quirky museum with thousands of banana-related items.
You can also attend some of the events and festivals that take place at the lake, such as the Bombay Beach Biennale, a free art and music festival, and the Salton Sea Documentary Film Festival, which showcases films about the lake and its people.
Sand Sledding
If you are looking for some fun and adventure, you can try sandboarding or sand sledding on the sand dunes around the Salton Sea.
Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding, but on sand instead of snow. Sand sledding is similar to snow sledding, but on a plastic or wooden board instead of a metal or plastic sled.
Some of the best places to enjoy sandboarding or sand sledding are the Algodones Dunes, which are located near the south end of the lake, and the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, which has various sand dunes and hills.
Sleds for Sand Dunes
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Experiences Nearby
Where to Stay
There are not many options for accommodation near the Salton Sea, as most of the towns and resorts around the lake have been abandoned or decayed.
However, you can find some motels, RV parks, and campgrounds in the following places:
Mecca
This is a small town on the north end of the east shore, where you can find the Salton Sea State Recreation Area Visitor Center, which has exhibits, maps, and information about the lake.
There are a few motels and RV parks in Mecca, such as the Mecca Motel, the Mecca Beach RV Park, and the Corvina Beach RV Park.
You can also camp at the Mecca Beach Campground, which has restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Niland
This is a small town on the south end of the east shore, where you can find the Salvation Mountain, a colorful art installation made of adobe, straw, and paint.
There are a few motels and RV parks in Niland, such as the Niland Inn, the Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort, and the Bashford’s Hot Mineral Spa.
You can also camp at the Slab City, a lawless community of squatters and artists, where you can find the East Jesus, another art installation made of recycled materials.
Salton City
This is a partially developed town on the west shore of the lake, where you can find the Salton Sea History Museum, which has artifacts, photos, and memorabilia from the lake’s past.
There are a few motels and RV parks in Salton City, such as the Salton Sea Inn, the Salton Sea Beach RV Park, and the Salton Sea Mobile Home Park.
You can also camp at the Salton Sea Beach Campground, which has restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
How to Get There
The Salton Sea is accessible by car from various directions. The main routes are:
- From Los Angeles: Take I-10 east to Indio, then take CA-111 south along the east shore of the lake. Alternatively, take I-10 east to Palm Springs, then take CA-111 north along the west shore of the lake.
- From San Diego: Take I-8 east to El Centro, then take CA-86 north along the west shore of the lake. Alternatively, take CA-78 east to Brawley, then take CA-111 north along the east shore of the lake.
- From Phoenix: Take I-10 west to Blythe, then take CA-78 west to Brawley, then take CA-111 north along the east shore of the lake.
The drive time from Los Angeles or San Diego is about 3 hours, and from Phoenix is about 4 hours.
You can also take a bus or a train to Indio or Palm Springs, and then rent a car or take a taxi to the lake.
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